thinking about x64. advice?

garbanzo · Jul 15, 2009

i've heard that windows 7 will come with both x86 and x64. i've always run x86, even though my processor is x64 compatible, because i only run 2gb ram, and i've always read that you really don't benefit much from x64 at that level.

but since i have to do a clean install when it comes out in october anyway, i am thinking about getting more ram and going for it.

what do i need to know? any advice? should i expect to struggle with drivers? is there a chance my hardware won't work? how can i prepare for this?

ztmike · Jul 15, 2009

If you have a 64bit capable CPU I don't see any problems..

If a program is designed to run on 32bit, you can still run it on a 64bit OS..it just won't run in 64bit mode.

I would upgrade that ram though for sure, to as much as you can.

swarfega · Jul 15, 2009

Yeah certainly do go for 64-bit. You might as well make full utilisation of your computers hardware.

The amount of ram doesnt mean you get more or less of an OS. It just might run slower with less ram which could be a good opportunity for you to buy more ram.

Ive had little trouble with drivers, all my hardware is supported either through windows update or from the manufacturers website.

You might also want to run this application: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...90-7659-4BD9-9E51-2497C146AF15&displaylang=en to test out your system.

spliff · Jul 15, 2009

Go for it, ram is dirt cheap.

Uber Philf · Jul 15, 2009

if you have a OEM PC, like a pre built one, just visit the site, usually they will have x64 versions of your drivers available for download.

masterB · Jul 15, 2009

64 bit, the whole system runs better than 32 bit by a lot.

harpua · Jul 15, 2009

x64 is the future. Might as well go for it. x86 apps run fine on it anyway. If your hardware is all within 2 or 3 years old, there should be x64 drivers for it.

Biggest problem with x64 I have found is the signed driver requirement of Windows x64, because I run a few apps that don't have signed drivers but there are work arounds for that little issue, so it's all good.

ztmike · Jul 15, 2009

If you don't know what kind of RAM you have download a program called "CPU-Z" (Google it) it will tell you everything about your cpu and ram, then go to Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more! and order up some ram.

But not sure how you can check how much ram your motherboard supports or how much per stick..maybe someone else can chip in on that.

harpua · Jul 15, 2009

He can use the wizard like tool at micron.com to figure out what kind of ram his machine needs, then order it from someplace cheaper like Newegg.

ztmike · Jul 15, 2009

harpua said:
He can use the wizard like tool at micron.com to figure out what kind of ram his machine needs, then order it from someplace cheaper like Newegg.

I already told him how to check what type of ram..what I couldn't tell him was how he can check how much ram his computer can hold or per stick.

Edit: Just noticed the OP is not from the U.S.A..Newegg is probably not the best bet then. Shipping would be crazy, if they even shipped to you lol.

harpua · Jul 15, 2009

ztmike said:
I already told him how to check what type of ram..what I couldn't tell him was how he can check how much ram his computer can hold or per stick.

That kind of spec is what the tool at micron can tell him.

garbanzo · Jul 15, 2009

i know what kind of ram i have. look at my specs...

it's prebuilt, but not by a well known manufacturer. no way i can find drivers on their site.

most of my hardware is new, though i remember having to install my mouse drivers in xp compatibility mode for it to work... beyond that i guess things will work ok.

as for software, i know that Directory Opus offers 64 bit, but beyond that, i have no idea. i guess i'll just start googling!

and no, i won't be ordering from newegg

Antman · Jul 15, 2009

Do not expect a Wow! response when you switch - you won't have one. What you will have is a more "modern" platform.

Many apps do not "benefit" from executing in 64-bit. Like file managers. If I recall from some of your posts, you like graphics software. PS CS4 renders much more swiftly and gracefully in 64-bit.

Crucial.com has a reliable tool for spec'ing your RAM upgrade options.

You have reached the point of know return.

garbanzo · Jul 15, 2009

thanks for the info Antman. i know i won't notice anything, i don't use my system hard enough. i just figure it's time to jump on board

so why would DOpus offer x64 if there is no benefit?

Antman · Jul 15, 2009

garbanzo said:
...so why would DOpus offer x64 if there is no benefit?

Note that I wrote "benefit", not benefit. I have used dope, I mean, I have not used DOpus, but I believe that it might do some rendering. No matter. One day, all code will be compiled via 64-bit compilers. At a minumum, the DOpus author is simply on board.

What I meant by "benefit" (to a degree): some processes will only use a few bytes of memory, certainly a small amount compared to 4+ GB. Some processes will execute within a minimal number of clock cycles. Some processes simply do not require much resources. These processes will not "benefit". I would venture to say that the most common activities are contained within these processes.

MrAleX · Jul 15, 2009

masterB said:
64 bit, the whole system runs better than 32 bit by a lot.

yeah, 'fast has hell' (c) funny phrase from one youtube video..

I really need 4Gb RAM instead of my 2.

thinking about x64. advice?

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